U.S. patent application number 13/743376 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-18 for reservation system, navigation device, battery charger and server.
This patent application is currently assigned to CLARION CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Clarion Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yasuo EGOSHI.
Application Number | 20130181672 13/743376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47683534 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130181672 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
EGOSHI; Yasuo |
July 18, 2013 |
Reservation System, Navigation Device, Battery Charger and
Server
Abstract
Reservation system realizing more efficient reservation of
charging. The reservation system comprises a navigation device and
a battery charger. The navigation device generates reservation
information of a charge, and sends the reservation information to
the battery charger. The battery charger makes a schedule by using
the reservation information, and performs charging according to the
schedule. Further, the battery charger makes again a schedule
according to an arrival time of a booked vehicle.
Inventors: |
EGOSHI; Yasuo; (Kanagawa,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Clarion Co., Ltd.; |
Saitama-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
CLARION CO., LTD.
Saitama-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
47683534 |
Appl. No.: |
13/743376 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
320/109 ;
705/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02T 10/7072 20130101;
G06Q 10/02 20130101; Y02T 10/72 20130101; Y02T 10/70 20130101; Y02T
90/12 20130101; H02J 7/00 20130101; Y02T 90/14 20130101; Y02T 90/16
20130101; B60L 53/665 20190201; Y02T 90/167 20130101; B60L 2240/62
20130101; Y04S 30/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
320/109 ;
705/5 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/02 20060101
G06Q010/02; H02J 7/00 20060101 H02J007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 18, 2012 |
JP |
2012-008228 |
Claims
1. A reservation system, wherein: the reservation system comprises
a navigation device and a battery charger: the navigation device
generates reservation information of a charge and sends the
reservation information to the battery charger; the battery charger
makes a schedule by using the reservation information, and performs
charging according to the schedule; and the battery charger makes
again a schedule according to an arrival time of a booked
vehicle.
2. A reservation system of claim 1, wherein: the battery charger:
sets a higher priority in order reservation information is
obtained; changes the schedule to a schedule in which a charge
start time appointed at a time of booking is set ahead if another
booked vehicle is not in course of charging, when a booked vehicle
arrives earlier than an appointed time; and changes the schedule to
a schedule in which a charge time reserved for a booked vehicle of
a higher priority can be secured, when a booked vehicle arrives
later than an appointed time.
3. A reservation system of claim 2, wherein: the battery charger
sends a prescribed message to the navigation device of a booked
vehicle if the reserved charge time cannot be secured because the
booked vehicle arrives later than the appointed time.
4. A reservation system of claim 1, wherein: when the reservation
information obtained by the battery charger makes charge
reservations with a plurality of battery chargers, the reservation
in question is set to a lower priority than priorities of other
reservations.
5. A reservation system, wherein: the reservation system comprises
a navigation device, a server and a battery charger: the navigation
device generates reservation information of a charge and sends the
reservation information to the battery charger; the server makes a
schedule by using the reservation information and sends the
schedule to the battery charger; the battery charger performs
charging according to the schedule; further, the battery charger
notifies an arrival time of a booked vehicle to the server; and the
server makes again a schedule according to the arrival time of the
booked vehicle.
6. A reservation system of claim 5, wherein: the server: sets a
higher priority in order reservation information is obtained;
changes the schedule to a schedule in which a charge start time
appointed at a time of booking is set ahead if another booked
vehicle is not in course of charging, when a booked vehicle arrives
earlier than an appointed time; and changes the schedule to a
schedule in which a charge time reserved for a booked vehicle of a
higher priority can be secured, when a booked vehicle arrives later
than an appointed time.
7. A battery charger, comprising: an information acquisition part,
which acquires reservation information of a charge from a
navigation device; a scheduling part, which makes a schedule by
using the reservation information; a rescheduling part, which makes
again a schedule according to an arrival time of a booked vehicle;
and a charging part, which performs charging of a predetermined
booked vehicle according to the schedule made by the rescheduling
part.
8. A battery charger of claim 7, wherein: the scheduling part sets
a higher priority in order reservation information is obtained; and
the rescheduling part: changes the schedule to a schedule in which
a charge start time appointed at a time of booking is set ahead if
another booked vehicle is not in course of charging, when a booked
vehicle arrives earlier than an appointed time; and changes the
schedule to a schedule in which a charge time reserved for a booked
vehicle of a higher priority can be secured, when a booked vehicle
arrives later than an appointed time.
9. A battery charger of claim 7, wherein: the battery charger
further comprises: a receiving part, which periodically receives
update information including an amount of charge required for
attaining full charge from a booked vehicle; and a calculation
part, which calculates a charge time from the amount of charge; and
when a newest charge time calculated from the amount of charge in
the update information is longer than a reserved charge time, the
rescheduling part changes the schedule to a schedule in which the
newest charge time can be secured; and when the newest charge time
is shorter than the reserved charge time, the rescheduling part
changes the schedule to a schedule in which charge start times of
booked vehicles later than a reservation for the vehicle are set
ahead.
10. A battery charger of claim 8, further comprises: a message
generation part, which generates a message when a reserved charge
time cannot be secured because a booked vehicle arrives later than
an appointed time; and a sending part, which sends the message to
the navigation device of the booked vehicle.
11. A battery charger of claim 7, wherein: when the reservation
information obtained by the scheduling part makes charge
reservations with a plurality of battery chargers, the scheduling
part sets the reservation in question to a lower priority than
priorities of other reservations.
12. A server, comprising: an information acquisition part, which
acquires reservation information of a charge from a navigation
device and a notification of an arrival time of a booked vehicle
from a battery charger; a scheduling part, which makes a schedule
by using the reservation information; a rescheduling part, which
makes again a schedule according to an arrival time of a booked
vehicle; and a sending part, which sends the schedule made by the
rescheduling part to the battery charger.
13. A navigation device, comprising: an input receiving part, which
receives input of a date to be appointed for charging and a stay
length in a facility having a battery charger or a time of
departing from the facility; a calculation part, which calculates
an estimated time of arrival at the facility, a remaining amount of
charge at the time of the arrival, and an amount of charge to be
given; a generation part, which generates reservation information
that includes the information received by the input receiving part
and the information calculated by the calculation part; and a
sending part, which sends the reservation information to the
battery charger.
Description
[0001] The present application claims the priority of Japanese
Application No. 2012-008228 filed on Jan. 18, 2012, the content of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present invention relates to a reservation system, a
navigation device, a battery charger and a server.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique relating to a
reservation system for efficiently operating a charging station.
[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Un-examined Patent Application
Laid-Open No. 2010-230615
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to the reservation system disclosed in the above
document, when an arrival time is largely different from the
estimated time of arrival, the reservation is changed or canceled.
However, it seems unfair that the reservation is changed or
canceled on account of a delay in an arrival time even if the
reservation has been made early. On the other hand, if a
reservation system can flexibly change its reservation schedule
according to an arrival time without entailing a change or a
cancellation, a battery charger in a charging station can be used
efficiently and a sense of unfairness is not caused.
[0006] Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a
reservation system that allows more efficient reservation for
charging.
[0007] To solve the above problems, a reservation system of the
present invention comprises: a navigation device, which generates
reservation information of a charge, and sends the reservation
information to a battery charger; and the battery charger, which
generates a schedule by using the reservation information, and
performs charging according to the schedule; and the battery
charger generates again a schedule according to an arrival time of
a booked vehicle.
[0008] The reservation system of the present invention can realize
more efficient reservation of charging.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of configuration of a
reservation system according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of configuration of a
navigation device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of configuration of a
server according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of configuration of a
battery charger according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a
navigation device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a battery
charger according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of
reservation processing according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of charging
processing according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing reservation information
generation processing according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing reservation acceptance
processing according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing scheduling processing
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing reservation confirmation
processing according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing rescheduling processing
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a reservation table and a
schedule according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing rescheduling of booked vehicles
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing rescheduling of booked vehicles
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing rescheduling of booked vehicles
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing scheduling processing
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of a screen according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of a screen according
to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of a screen according
to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Now, a reservation system according to an embodiment of the
present invention will be described.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of configuration of a
reservation system according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The reservation system comprises: navigation devices 100
mounted on respective vehicles; a server 200 placed in a
communication center; and a battery charger 300 placed in a
charging facility. Each navigation device 100 wirelessly
communicates with the server 200 through a radio communication unit
26 contained in the navigation device 100. Further, each navigation
device 100 exchanges prescribed information with a microcomputer
mounted on its vehicle.
[0032] The server 200 is connected to a communication unit 306 of
the battery charger 300 through a digital communication network
such as the Internet, in order to receive and deliver data to each
other.
[0033] The battery charger 300 feeds an electric vehicle connected
to a power cable a of a feeder unit 308. Further, the battery
charger 300 switches the target of feeding according to a charge
reservation schedule. That is to say, in the case where a plurality
of electric vehicles is connected to the feeder unit 308, the
battery charger 300 feeds a specific electric vehicle that is
booked. An electric vehicle charges its battery by power feeding
from the battery charger 300. Each power cable a contains a
communication line. When a charging connector of a power cable
.alpha. is connected to a cable connecting terminal of a vehicle,
communication is established between the vehicle and the battery
charger 300. By this, the battery charger 300 can detect that the
vehicle has arrived at the charging facility.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of configuration of
each navigation device 100 according to the present embodiment.
Each navigation device 100 comprises a processing unit 1, a display
10, a storage unit 11, a voice input-output unit 13, an input unit
16, a ROM unit 20, a vehicle speed sensor 21, a gyro sensor 22, a
GPS receiver 23, an FM multiplex broadcast receiver 24, a beacon
receiver 25, and a radio communication unit 26. These various
component devices and sensors are connected with one another
through a bus so that data can be received and delivered.
[0035] Here, the navigation device 100 is a device that can realize
so-called navigation functions such as displaying of map
information 12 and traffic information and searching for a
recommended route and route guidance. The navigation device 100 of
the present embodiment is used being mounted on an electric vehicle
(for example, an electric automobile).
[0036] The processing unit 1 is a central unit that executes
various types of processing in the navigation device 100. The
processing unit 1 uses information outputted from various sensors
(such as the vehicle speed sensor 21 and the gyro sensor 22) and
the GPS receiver 23 and the like, in order to identify the current
location of the user.
[0037] Further, the processing unit 1 uses the map information 12
stored in the storage unit 11, in order to search for a recommended
route connecting a departure place and a destination.
[0038] Further, according to the identified current location and a
previously-set display scale ratio, the processing unit 1
determines a display range of the map information 12 to be
displayed in a display area of the display 10.
[0039] Further, the processing unit 1 performs graphic conversion
of the map information 12, the traffic information and route
information included in the display area, and outputs the converted
information to the display 10.
[0040] Further, the processing unit 1 generates voice information
for performing route guidance, and outputs the generated voice
information to a speaker 15.
[0041] Further, the processing unit 1 calculates an estimated time
of arrival at the charging facility and an amount of charge
required for attaining full charge. Further, the processing unit 1
generates reservation information that includes prescribed pieces
of information such as the estimated arrival time, the amount of
charge, an appointment date of charge, a stay length.
[0042] The processing unit 1 comprises: a Central Processing Unit
(CPU) 2 for executing various types of processing such as numeric
operations and control of various devices and sensors; a Random
Access Memory (RAM) 3 for storing temporarily programs, data,
results of calculations, and the like; a Read Only Memory (ROM) 4
for storing programs, data, and the like; and an interface (I/F) 5
for connecting various hardware units to the processing unit 1.
Here, the CPU 2, the RAM 3 and the ROM 4 are connected with one
another through a bus 6.
[0043] The display 10 is a unit for displaying graphics information
generated by the processing unit 1. The display 10 comprises, for
example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the
like.
[0044] The storage unit 11 comprises a storage medium that is at
least readable and writable such as, for example, a Hard Disk Drive
(HDD) or a nonvolatile memory card. For example, the storage unit
11 stores information such as the map information 12.
[0045] The voice input-output unit 13 comprises a microphone 14 as
a voice input unit and the speaker 15 as a voice output unit. The
microphone 14 obtains sound outside the navigation device 100, such
as voice coming from the user. Further, the speaker 15 outputs, as
voice, a message to the user, which is generated by the processing
unit 1.
[0046] The input unit 16 is a unit for the navigation device 100 to
receive prescribed instructions from the user. In detail, the input
unit 16 comprises direction keys 17, a dial switch 18, a touch
panel 19, a scale change key as another hardware switch (not
shown), and the like.
[0047] The ROM unit 20 comprises a storage medium that is at least
readable, such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) (for example a CD-ROM or
a DVD-ROM), an Integrated Circuit (IC) card, or the like. This
storage medium stores, for example, moving image information, voice
information and/or the like.
[0048] The vehicle speed sensor 21, the gyro sensor 22 and the GPS
receiver 23 are used for detecting the current location of the
vehicle on which the navigation device 100 is mounted.
[0049] The vehicle speed sensor 21 outputs information used for
calculating a vehicle speed. In detail, the vehicle sensor 21
converts the detected number of wheel rotations into pulse signals,
and outputs prescribed information such as the number of pulse
signals generated in a given time.
[0050] The gyro sensor 22 comprises an optical-fiber gyroscope, a
vibrational gyroscope, or the like, and detects an angular velocity
due to turning of a moving body.
[0051] The GPS receiver 23 receives signals from GPS satellites and
measures a distance between the vehicle and each GPS satellite and
a rate of change of that distance with respect to three or more
satellites, in order to measure the current location, the traveling
speed and the travelling direction of the vehicle.
[0052] The FM multiplex broadcast receiver 24 receives an FM
multiplex broadcast signal sent from an FM broadcast station. As FM
multiplex broadcast, are mentioned general current-state traffic
information, traffic regulation information, Service Area/Parking
Area (SA/PA) information, parking lot information, weather
information and the like of Vehicle Information Communication
System (VICS, a registered trademark) and text information provided
as FM multiplex general information from a radio station, for
example.
[0053] The beacon receiver 25 receives general current-state
traffic information, traffic regulation information, Service
Area/Parking Area (SA/PA) information, parking lot information,
weather information, emergency information and the like of, for
example, VICS information. For example, as such a receiver, are
mentioned an optical beacon communicating by light, a radio beacon
communicating by radio wave, and the like.
[0054] The radio communication unit 26 is a unit for communicating
wirelessly with an external device. In detail, the radio
communication unit 26 sends prescribed information such as charge
reservation information generated by the processing unit 1 to the
server 200 of the communication center.
[0055] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of configuration of
the server 200 according to the present embodiment. The server 200
comprises a processing unit 201, a communication unit 206, and a
storage unit 207. These component devices are electrically
connected with one another through a bus 208 so that data can be
received and delivered between the devices.
[0056] The processing unit 201 is a central unit that executes
various types of processing in the server 200. In detail, the
processing unit 201 executes prescribed processing by using
information received by the communication unit 206. Further, the
processing unit 201 designates a destination of information to be
sent through the communication unit 206.
[0057] The processing unit 201 comprises: a Central Processing Unit
(CPU) 202 for executing various types of processing such as numeric
operations and control of other devices and sensors; a Read Only
Memory (ROM) 203 for storing programs, data, and the like; and a
Random Access Memory (RAM) 204 for storing temporarily programs,
data, results of calculations, and the like. Here, the CPU 202, the
ROM 203 and the RAM 204 are electrically connected with one another
through a bus 205.
[0058] The communication unit 206 is a unit that sends and receives
data to and from an external device. In detail, the communication
unit 206 receives reservation information from the navigation
device 100, and sends the reservation information to the battery
charger 300 according to an instruction from the processing unit
201. Further, the communication unit 206 receives reservation
confirmation information from the battery charger 300, and sends
the reservation confirmation information to the navigation device
100 according to an instruction from the processing unit 201.
[0059] The storage unit 207 comprises a storage medium that is at
least readable and writable such as, for example, a Hard Disk Drive
(HDD) or a nonvolatile memory card. For example, the storage unit
207 stores programs and data used for processing in the server 200.
Further, the storage unit 207 stores information received by the
communication unit 206, for example.
[0060] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of configuration of
the battery charger 300 according to the present embodiment. The
battery charger 300 comprises a processing unit 301, a
communication unit 306, a storage unit 307, and the feeder unit
308. These component devices are electrically connected with one
another through a bus 309 so that data can be received and
delivered between the devices.
[0061] The processing unit 301 is a central unit that executes
various types of processing in the battery charger 300. In detail,
the processing unit 301 obtains reservation information from
navigation devices 100, and makes a charge reservation schedule and
reservation confirmation information by using the obtained
reservation information. Further, according to the made schedule,
the processing unit 301 switches the target of feeding to a booked
vehicle.
[0062] Here, the processing unit 301 comprises: a Central
Processing Unit (CPU) 302 for executing various types of processing
such as numeric operations and control of other devices and
sensors; a Read Only Memory (ROM) 303 for storing programs and
data; and a Random Access Memory (RAM) 304 for storing temporarily
programs, data, results of calculations, and the like. The CPU 302,
the ROM 303 and the RAM 304 are electrically connected with one
another through a bus 305.
[0063] The communication unit 306 is a unit that sends and receives
data to and from an external device. In detail, the communication
unit 306 receives reservation information from a navigation device
100 through the server 200. Further, the communication unit 306
sends reservation confirmation information generated by the battery
charger 300 to a navigation device 100 through the server 200.
[0064] The storage unit 307 comprises a storage medium that is at
least readable and writable such as, for example, a Hard Disk Drive
(HDD) or a nonvolatile memory card. For example, the storage unit
307 stores programs and data used for processing in the battery
charger 300, and stores the charge reservation schedule and the
like made in the processing unit 301.
[0065] The feeder unit 308 is a unit that charges an electric
vehicle. In detail, the feeder unit 308 has a plurality of (n)
power cables each containing a communication line, and supplies
power to each power cable to which a booked electric vehicle is
connected. The feeder unit 308 switches targets of feeding
according to an instruction from the processing unit 301.
[0066] Next, functional blocks of the navigation device 100 and the
battery charger 300 according to the present embodiment will be
described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the
navigation device 100. And, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing functional
blocks of the battery charger 300. Each functional block is
realized when the CPU 2 or 303 mounted on the device 100 or 300
reads and executes a prescribed program. To that end, the ROM 4,
303 or the storage unit 11, 307 stores the program for executing
the processing of each functional part.
[0067] Further, the functional blocks are classified according to
the main contents of processing, in order to facilitate
understanding of each function realized in the navigation device
100 or the battery charger 300. Further, the present invention is
not limited by the way of classification of functions and by the
names of functions. Each component function of the navigation
device 100 and the battery charger 300 can be further classified
into functions according to contents of processing. Or, it is
possible to classify functions such that a component function
performs more contents of processing.
[0068] Further, functional parts of each device can be realized by
hardware (such as ASIC). Further, processing of each functional
part can be executed by one piece of hardware or by pieces of
hardware.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 5, the navigation device 100 comprises a
general control part 401, a route search part 402, and a
reservation information generation part 403.
[0070] The general control part 401 is a central functional part
that performs various types of processing in the navigation device
100. In detail, the general control part 401 receives various kinds
of information and various instructions from the other functional
parts, the other devices and sensors contained in the navigation
device 100, and external devices. Further, the general control part
401 outputs the obtained information and the received instructions
to prescribed sensors, devices and functional parts according to
kinds or contents of the information or the instructions.
[0071] Further, the general control part 401 performs graphics
conversion of prescribed information such as the map information
12, and outputs the result to the display 10. Further, the general
control part 401 guides the user to a way point and the destination
by using the map information 12, route information and the
like.
[0072] Further, the general control part 401 makes the display 10
display a prescribed input screen and reservation confirmation
information, and receives input of information relating to
reservation of charge from the user. Further, when the general
control part 401 obtains update information that includes estimated
time of arrival and an amount of charge from the reservation
information generation part 403, the general control part 401 sends
the update information to the battery charger 300 through the
server 200.
[0073] The route search part 402 is a functional part that searches
for a route connecting a departure place, a way point, and a
destination. In detail, using prescribed information outputted from
the GPS receiver 23, the vehicle sensor 21 and the gyro sensor 22
and the map information 12, the route search part 402 performs map
matching processing to specify coordinate information that
indicates the current location of the vehicle. Further, the route
search part 402 receives addresses or names of a way point and a
destination from the user, and specifies the corresponding
coordinate information from the map information. Further, using the
specified coordinate information, the route search part 402
generates route information on a route connecting the departure
place and the destination by the Dijkstra's algorithm. Further, the
route search part 402 outputs the generated route information to
the general control part 401.
[0074] The reservation information generation part 403 is a
functional part that generates reservation information for making a
reservation of charging. In detail, the reservation information
generation part 403 generates reservation information that includes
prescribed pieces of information required for reservation of
charging such as an appointment date, a stay length in the
facility, an estimated time of arrival at the charging facility,
and the like. At intervals of a prescribed time (for example, 5
minutes), the reservation information generation part 403
recalculates the estimated time of arrival at the charging facility
and the amount of charge required for attaining full charge. If the
result of the recalculation is different from the previous result
of calculation, the reservation information generation part 403
generates update information that includes the newest calculation
result, and outputs the update information to the general control
part 401.
[0075] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the battery
charger 300. The battery charger 300 comprises a charging control
part 501 and a reservation part 502.
[0076] The charging control part 501 is a central functional part
that performs various types of processing in the battery charger
300. In detail, the charging control part 501 receives various
kinds of information and various instructions from the other
functional part, the other devices contained in the battery charger
300, and external devices. Further, the charging control part 501
outputs the obtained information and the received instructions to
prescribed devices and functional parts according to kinds or
contents of the information or the instructions.
[0077] Further, the charging control part 501 generates an
instruction to switch the target of feeding, and outputs the
instruction to the feeder unit 308. In detail, the charging control
part 501 generates an instruction to supply power to a power cable
a to which a booked vehicle is connected, according to the charge
reservation schedule, and sends the instruction to the feeder unit
308.
[0078] The reservation part 502 is a functional part that makes a
charge reservation for an electric vehicle. In detail, using
information obtained from a navigation device 100, the reservation
part 502 makes a charge reservation and a charge reservation
schedule. Further, the reservation part 502 generates reservation
confirmation information for confirming the content of a
reservation. Further, the reservation part 502 makes a charge
schedule that notifies a charge time and an amount of charge. The
reservation part 502 performs rescheduling at a prescribed time
point such as a time when a vehicle arrives or a time when update
information is received from a navigation device 100, so that the
charge schedule is made again.
[0079] Hereinabove, the functional blocks of the navigation device
100 and the battery charger 300 according to the present embodiment
have been described.
[0080] [Operation] Next, flows of reservation processing and
charging processing performed in the reservation system will be
described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of the
reservation processing. In the reservation processing, a navigation
device 100 generates reservation information and sends the
reservation information to the server 200. The server 200 relays
the reservation information to the battery charger 300. Using the
obtained reservation information, the battery charger 300 carries
out the scheduling and reservation. Further, the battery charger
300 generates reservation confirmation information that includes
prescribed pieces of information for reservation, and sends the
reservation confirmation information to the navigation device 100
through the server 200.
[0081] Further, FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of the
charging processing. In the charging processing, the navigation
device 100 outputs an arrival notification, which indicates
arrival, to the battery charger 300. Obtaining the arrival
notification, the battery charger 300 performs rescheduling by
using the already-made schedule. Further, according to the
newly-made schedule, the battery charger 300 switches a booked
vehicle as the target of feeding and performs charging. Further,
the battery charger 300 makes a charge schedule for notifying the
charge time and the amount of charge, and outputs the charge
schedule to the navigation device 100.
[0082] According to the above-described flow, the reservation
system performs the reservation processing and the charging
processing.
[0083] First, reservation information generation processing in the
reservation processing will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a
flowchart showing a flow of the reservation information generation
processing performed in the navigation device 100. This processing
is started when the navigation device 100 receives an instruction
to shift into a charge reservation mode.
[0084] The general control part 401 makes the input screen 800 of
FIG. 19 displayed, and awaits input of a reservation instruction
(Step S001). When an appointment date (a date of charging) 801 and
a stay length in the charging facility 802 (or a time of departing
from the facility 803) are inputted, the general control part 401
judges that the reservation instruction has been received. It may
be arranged that, if an appointment date (a date of charging) 801
is not inputted, the general control part 401 takes it as a
reservation of the day.
[0085] Next, the reservation information generation part 403
generates reservation information (Step S002). In detail, the
reservation information generation part 403 calculates the
estimated time of arrival at the charging facility and the amount
of charge required for attaining full charge. Here, the reservation
information generation part 403 obtains the estimated time of
arrival at the charging facility on the basis of the route
information. Further, the reservation information generation part
403 generates reservation information that includes the estimated
time of arrival, the amount of charge, the charge appointment date
801, and the stay length 802, and sends the reservation information
to the server 200 through the radio communication unit 26 (Step
S003).
[0086] Next, reservation acceptance processing performed in the
battery charger 300 will be described. Using reservation
information obtained through the server 200, the battery charger
300 performs the reservation acceptance processing. FIG. 10 is a
flowchart showing a flow of the reservation acceptance processing.
This processing is started when the battery charger 300 obtains
reservation information.
[0087] Using the obtained reservation information, the reservation
part 502 performs scheduling (Step S011). FIG. 11 is a flowchart
showing details of scheduling processing. When the scheduling
processing is started, the reservation part 502 sets priority (for
example, priority 1, 2, 3, . . . , n) of the reservation (Step
S021). In detail, the reservation part 502 fixes priority in the
order reservation information is received. In the case, for
example, where a plural items of reservation information for the
same appointment date (date of charging) are obtained, the
reservation part 502 sets a higher priority to an item of
reservation information that has been obtained earlier.
[0088] Next, the reservation part 502 judges whether it is possible
to attain full charge within the stay length in the charging
facility (Step S022). In detail, the reservation part 502
calculates a charge time on the basis of the amount of charge
required for attaining full charge included in the reservation
information, and judges whether it is possible to secure the charge
time required for attaining full charge in a time period in which
another reservation does not exist within the stay length. In the
case where it is possible to secure the charge time required for
attaining full charge (Yes in Step S022), the reservation part 502
proceeds with the processing to Step S023. On the other hand, in
the case of judging that full charge cannot be attained (No in
Step, S022), the reservation part 502 proceeds with the processing
to Step S025.
[0089] In Step S023, the reservation part 502 makes a schedule that
assigns the charge time required for attaining full charge in the
time period in which another reservation does not exists in the
stay length, and fixes the reservation (Step S024). The reservation
part 502 outputs the made schedule to the storage unit 307.
[0090] On the other hand, in Step S025, the reservation part 502
judges whether authorization information is added to the obtained
reservation information. The authorization information is
information added to reservation information when the user
authorizes charging by a charge amount offered by the battery
charger 300 if it is impossible to secure the charge time for
attaining full charge within the say length. Details of the
authorization information will be described later.
[0091] In the case where the authorization is added to the
reservation information (Yes in Step S025), the reservation part
502 proceeds with the processing to Step S023 to make a schedule.
On the other hand, in the case where the authorization is not added
to the reservation information (No in Step S025), the reservation
part 502 calculates a charge amount that can be attained in the
stay length (Step S026). In detail, the reservation part 502
calculates a charge amount that can be attained on the basis of a
charge time that can be secured in the stay length.
[0092] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the description will
be continued. When the scheduling processing is finished, the
reservation part 502 generates reservation confirmation information
(Step S012). In detail, the reservation part 502 generates
reservation confirmation information to notify existence or
non-existence of fixed reservation, the appointed time, the amount
of charge, and the like, and sends the reservation confirmation to
the navigation device 100 (Step S013).
[0093] Next, reservation confirmation processing performed in a
navigation device 100 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart
showing the reservation confirmation processing. This processing is
started when a navigation device 100 receives reservation
confirmation information.
[0094] When the reservation confirmation processing is started, the
general control part 401 judges whether the reservation is fixed or
not (Step S031). In detail, the general control part 401 judges
whether the reservation is fixed or not on the basis of the
reservation confirmation information. In the case where the
reservation is fixed (Yes in Step S031), the general control part
401 ends the reservation confirmation processing. On the other
hand, in the case where the reservation is not fixed (No in Step
S031), the general control part 401 makes the reservation
confirmation information displayed on the display 10 (Step
S032).
[0095] FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of a screen 810
displaying reservation confirmation information. In the example
shown in the figure, the reservation confirmation information shows
non-fixing of the reservation 811, information 812 such as the
amount of charge attainable in the stay length, an instruction
button 813 for making a reservation according to the displayed
contents, and a button 814 for moving to a screen for inputting new
reservation conditions.
[0096] Here, the general control part 401 judges whether a
reservation instruction has been received according to the contents
of the displayed reservation confirmation information (Step S033).
In detail, the general control part 401 judges that the reservation
instruction has been received when the button 813 is pushed (Yes in
Step S033), and proceeds with the processing to Step S034. On the
other hand, when the button 814 is pushed, the general control part
401 judges that the reservation instruction according to the
contents of the reservation confirmation information has not been
received (No in Step S033), and proceeds to the reservation
information processing (Step S035) and ends this flow.
[0097] In Step S034, the reservation information generation part
403 generates reservation information having contents conforming to
the conditions notified by the reservation confirmation
information, and sends the reservation information to the battery
charger 300 (Step S036). At that time, the reservation information
generation part 403 adds the authorization information to the
generated reservation information. That is to say, the
authorization information is information that is added when the
user authorizes charging by the offered amount of charge even if
full charge cannot be attained in the stay length in the facility.
Accordingly, the reservation part 502 of the battery charger 300
makes a schedule for charging the amount of charge notified by the
reservation confirmation information even when full charge cannot
be attained in the stay length in the facility (Step S023 of FIG.
11), and fixes the reservation (Step S024).
[0098] Hereinabove, the reservation information generation
processing, the reservation acceptance processing and the
reservation confirmation processing in the reservation processing
have been described.
[0099] Next, the charging processing will be described. In the
charging processing, arrival notification processing is performed
first. The arrival notification processing is performed in a
navigation device 100 when a power cable a of the battery charger
300 is connected to the cable connecting terminal of the navigation
device 100. In detail, the general control part 401 outputs an
acquisition request signal for obtaining the vehicle's unique ID to
the microcomputer of the vehicle. Receiving the acquisition request
signal, the microcomputer reads the vehicle's unique ID from a ROM
mounted on the vehicle, and outputs the unique ID to the navigation
device 100. The general control part 401 generates an arrival
notification signal by adding the vehicle's unique ID to a
prescribed signal for notifying arrival at the charging facility,
and outputs the arrival notification signal to the battery charger
300 through the communication line.
[0100] Receiving the arrival notification signal, the reservation
part 502 of the battery charger 300 performs rescheduling
processing. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the rescheduling
processing. The reservation part 502 performs the rescheduling
processing also when update information is received from a
navigation device 100 through the server 200, i.e. when a vehicle's
arrival time or an amount of charge required for attaining full
charge is changed.
[0101] The reservation part 502 extracts the appointed schedule
from the storage unit 307 on the basis of the vehicle's unique ID
included in the arrival notification signal, and identifies the
priority of the reservation (Step S041). Next, the reservation part
502 judges whether another booked vehicle is in the course of
charging (Step S042). In detail, through the charging control part
501, the reservation part 502 judges whether another booked vehicle
is in the course of charging. In the case where no booked vehicle
is in the course of charging (No in Step S042), the reservation
part 502 changes the current schedule to a schedule in which
charging of the arrived booked vehicle is performed at an earlier
time (Step S043).
[0102] On the other hand, in the case where another booked vehicle
is in the course of charging (Yes in Step S042), the reservation
part 502 judges whether the schedule can be rearranged into a
schedule in which a vehicle of a higher priority can secure the
reserved charge time (Step S044). That is to say, the reservation
part 502 gives the first priority to ensuring the charge time
reserved at the time of booking of the booked vehicle, and judges
whether a rearranged schedule can assign a charge time of a booked
vehicle of a lower priority to a vacant time in which no
reservation exists.
[0103] Then, in the case where the schedule can be rearranged (Yes
in Step S044), the reservation part 502 rearranges the schedule
(Step S045), and ends the rescheduling processing.
[0104] On the other hand, in the case where such rearrangement of
the schedule cannot be performed (No in Step S044), the reservation
part 502 generates a message to the effect that the reserved charge
time cannot be secured (for example, "The reserved charge time
cannot be secured due to late arrival") (Step S046). Then, the
reservation part 502 sends the generated message information to the
navigation device 100 (Step S047), and ends the rescheduling
processing. For example, this applies to the case where a booked
vehicle arrives way late and the reserved charge time cannot be
secured even by charging in the stay length. Obtaining the message
information, the general control part 401 of the navigation device
100 makes a prescribed message displayed on the display 10.
[0105] Further, the reservation part 502 performs the rescheduling
processing also when update information is received from a
navigation device 100. In detail, the reservation part 502
identifies the appointed time and the reserved charge time of the
vehicle in question by using the vehicle's unique ID in the
received update information.
[0106] Then, in the case where the update information indicates a
change of the estimated arrival time, the reservation part 502
changes the estimated arrival time of the booked vehicle.
[0107] Further, in the case where the update information indicates
a change of the amount of charge, the reservation part 502
calculates a new charge time by using the amount of charge in the
update information. Then, the reservation part 502 performs the
rescheduling processing such that the calculated charge time can be
secured. That is to say, in the case where the charge time
calculated from the update information increases from the reserved
charge time, the reservation part 502 rearranges the schedule so
that the charge time can be secured. In the case where the charge
time calculated from the update information decreases from the
reserved charge time, the reservation part 502 changes the schedule
to one that sets ahead the start times of charging of the vehicles
booked after the reservation of the vehicle in question.
[0108] Here, the rescheduling processing will be described in
detail. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a reservation table 700 and a
schedule 710. The reservation table 700 puts together prescribed
items of reservation information received from vehicles A-C. Such a
reservation table 700 is generated when the reservation part 502 of
the battery charger 300 obtains reservation information, and is
stored in the storage unit 307. As shown in the figure, the
reservation table 700 stores a reservation ID 701, a reservation
acceptance time 702, an estimated arrival time 703, a finish time
704, a charge time 705, and a priority 706. Here, the reservation
ID stores a vehicle's unique ID indicating a booked vehicle. The
reservation acceptance time 702 indicates a time when reservation
information is received from the navigation device 100 of the
vehicle in question. Further, the estimated arrival time 703
indicates an estimated time of arrival at the charging facility,
which has been calculated by the navigation device 100. Further,
the finish time 704 indicates a time that has been calculated from
the arrival time and the stay length in the facility, i.e. a time
of vehicle's departing from the facility.
[0109] The schedule 710 made in Step S023 stores a reservation ID
711, a reservation time 712, and a charge time 713. Based on the
schedule 710 having such items, the reservation part 502 of the
battery charger 300 performs the rescheduling processing each time
when a booked vehicle arrives (or each time when update information
is received).
[0110] First, when the booked vehicle C arrives (at 12:30) earlier
than the estimated time, the reservation part 502 extracts the
reservation table 700 and the schedule 710 from the storage unit
307, and identifies the priority (Step S041). Next, the reservation
part 502 judges whether another booked vehicle than the booked
vehicle C is in the course of charging (Step S042). Here, the
booked vehicles A and B have not arrived yet (No in Step S042), and
thus the reservation part 502 makes a schedule in which the
schedule for the booked vehicle C is set ahead (Step S043).
[0111] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a rearranged schedule 720 at
the time of arrival of the booked vehicle C. As shown in the
figure, the reservation part 502 makes a rearranged schedule in
which the reservation time 712 originally-set to 13:00-14:00 is set
ahead to 12:30-13:30. Then, the charging control part 501 performs
charging of the booked vehicle C according to the rearranged
schedule.
[0112] Further, when the booked vehicle arrives (at 13:15) earlier
than the estimated time, the reservation part 502 extracts the
reservation table 700 and the schedule 720 from the storage unit
307, and identifies the priority (Step S041). Next, the reservation
part 502 judges whether another booked vehicle than the booked
vehicle B is in the course of charging (Step S042).
[0113] Here, at the arrival time of the booked vehicle B, the
booked vehicle C is in the course of charging, and thus the
reservation part 502 performs the processing of Step S044. In
detail, the reservation part 502 judges whether it is possible to
rearrange the schedule such that the booked vehicle B having the
higher priority between the arrived booked vehicles B and C can
secure the reserved charge time.
[0114] In judging, the reservation part 502 rearranges the
schedule. For example, if charging of the booked vehicle B is
performed in 13:30-15:15 after finish of charging of the booked
vehicle C, the charge time reserved at the time of booking of the
vehicle B having the higher priority can be secured and the booked
vehicle C can also secure the charge time reserved at the time of
booking. Accordingly, the reservation part 502 judges that the
schedule can be rearranged (Yes in Step S044), and makes the
rearranged schedule 730 shown in FIG. 16 (Step S045). Then, the
charging control part 501 performs charging of the booked vehicle B
according to this schedule.
[0115] Further, when the booked vehicle A arrives (at 14:45) later
than the estimated time, the reservation part 502 extracts the
reservation table 700 and the schedule 730 from the storage unit,
and identifies the priority (Step S041). Next, the reservation part
502 judges whether another vehicle than the booked vehicle A is in
the course of charging (Step S042).
[0116] Here, at the time of arrival of the booked vehicle A, the
booked vehicle B is in the course of charging, and thus the
reservation part 502 performs the processing in Step S044. In
detail, the reservation part 502 judges whether it is possible to
rearrange the schedule into one in which the booked vehicle A
having the higher priority between the arrived booked vehicles A
and B can secure the reserved charge time.
[0117] In judging, the reservation part 502 rearranges the
schedule. For example, the charge time of the booked vehicle A
cannot be secured after 15:15 when charging of the booked vehicle B
is finished. On the other hand, if charging of the booked vehicle B
is performed in 15:30-16:00 after charging of the booked vehicle A
is performed in 14:45-15:30, the charge time of the booked vehicle
A having the higher priority and the charge time of the booked
vehicle B can be both secured. Thus, the reservation part 502
judges that such rearrangement of the schedule is possible (Yes in
Step S044), and makes the schedule 740 shown in FIG. 17 (Step
S045). Then, the charging control part 501 performs charging of the
booked vehicles A and B according to this schedule.
[0118] Next, the reservation part 502 makes a charge schedule that
notifies the charge time and the amount of charge, and outputs the
charge schedule to the navigation device 100 concerned. In the case
where the charge time reserved at the time of booking cannot be
secured, the reservation part 502 outputs a charge schedule that
includes a generated prescribed message to the navigation device
100 concerned.
[0119] According to the above-described reservation system, it is
possible to provide easily-comprehensible information on charging.
In particular, if no other vehicle is in the course of charging,
charging is performed without respect to priority of reservation,
realizing efficient charging. On the other hand, even if a vehicle
arrives late, a charge schedule is made in accordance with the
priorities, and it is possible to perform charging without causing
a sense of unfairness.
[0120] The present invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiment. According to a second embodiment of the present
invention, processing of lowering the priority of a reservation is
performed if reservation of charging is made with respect to a
plurality of way points. In the case where reservations of charging
are made with respect to a plurality of way points, even if a large
amount of charge time is not secured as for a battery charger 300
at one location, charging may be possible at another way point.
Thus, according to the reservation system of the second embodiment,
lowering of the priority of such a reservation can improve
efficiency of charging of other booked vehicles.
[0121] For example, the general control part 401 makes the input
screen 820 shown in FIG. 21 displayed in order to receive a
reservation of charging. Further, the reservation information
generation part 403 adds, to the reservation information,
information indicating that a plurality of reservations are
inputted, and sends the resultant information to the battery
charger 300.
[0122] Receiving such reservation information, the battery charger
300 performs the scheduling processing shown in FIG. 18. As shown
in the figure, the reservation part 502, which obtains the
reservation information, sets priority of the reservation (Step
S051), and judges whether a charge reservation for another way
point has been made (Step S052). In detail, the reservation part
502 judges whether information indicating input of a plurality of
reservations is added to the reservation information. If such
information is added (Yes in Step S052), the reservation part 502
sets the already-set priority to a lower priority than the
priorities of the other reservations (Step S053), and proceeds with
the processing to Step S054. The processing in Steps S054-S058 is
similar to the processing in Steps S023-S026 in FIG. 11, and
description of the processing will be omitted.
[0123] According to the above-described reservation system, it is
possible to provide easily-comprehensible information on charging.
In particular, even if a large amount of charge time is not secured
as for a battery charger at one location, charging may be possible
at another way point, in the case where charge reservations are
made with respect to a plurality of way points. Thus, in the
reservation system according to the second embodiment, lowering of
the priority of such a reservation can improve efficiency of
charging of other booked vehicles.
[0124] In the above-described embodiments, the battery charger 300
performs the scheduling processing and the rescheduling processing.
However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
For example, as a variant of the above embodiments, the server 200
in the communication center can perform the scheduling processing
and the rescheduling processing. Here, the serve 200 performs the
rescheduling processing when the server 200 receives, from the
battery charger 300, an arrival notification that notifies an
arrival time of a booked vehicle. Further, the battery charger 300
performs charging according to a schedule made by the server
200.
[0125] Also by the embodiment of such a variant according to the
invention, it is possible to provide easily-comprehensible
information on charging.
* * * * *